A Bit of War History: The Recruit

Thomas Waterman Wood

Created:
Movement:
1866
Realism
key Notes:
Civil War recruitment, African American soldier
Share:
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
Dimensions:
28 1/4 x 20 1/4 in. (71.8 x 51.4 cm) (framed with 84.12a and 84.12c)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

A Bit of War History: The Recruit

Thomas Waterman Wood created "A Bit of War History: The Recruit" in 1866, employing oil on canvas to capture a poignant narrative from the American Civil War. This painting is part of a trilogy that explores the African American experience during the war, highlighting themes of enlistment, service, and return. Wood's work is significant for its empathetic portrayal of African American soldiers, a subject that was relatively uncommon in the art of the period. The artist, born in 1823 in Montpelier, Vermont, was known for his genre paintings that often depicted everyday life and social issues. Wood's attention to detail and commitment to realism contribute to the historical value of his work, offering insight into the societal changes occurring in post-Civil War America. His paintings are celebrated for their narrative depth and ability to evoke the complex emotions of the era.

Description of the work:

"A Bit of War History: The Recruit" (1866) by Thomas Waterman Wood is an oil on canvas painting that depicts an African American man enlisting in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The work is characterized by its realistic style and attention to detail, capturing the historical significance and personal narrative of the subject.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Could this content be improved?

Please let us know and we will be happy to correct it.
We may follow up with questions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
A Bit of War History: The Recruit